The receiver was just happy to score his first major in a Laval uniform.
“It’s a good feeling. I’m happy because the timing and the pass were perfect. Issac Gaillardetz gave me a big block and I just had to run in a straight line.”
This major came at a crucial moment in the match since the Rouge et Or defense had just limited the Stingers to a field goal after a turnover on special teams which narrowed the score to 13-9.
“I don’t look at the pace of a match in action, we just tell ourselves that we have to do our best in each play. I was just happy to be all alone on the pass,” Boutin ends with the smile.
The defense stands up
Throughout the match, the Rouge et Or’s defensive unit only gave crumbs to its opponent. Described as the best defense in the country by head coach Brad Collinson, the front particularly stood out in this meeting. Frenchman Yoann Miangue played a strong game finishing with two and a half sacks.
“Making sacks is the most enjoyable part of football. We have a role to push an offensive lineman all day long and when it ends with a tackle for losses or a sack, that’s our treat,” explains number 99 after the game.
Called on to limit Concordia’s offensive after a turnaround at the start of the third quarter, Miangue ensures that his unit was ready.
“Marc Fortier often says that we are firefighters and when there is a fire in the house, we have to come and put it out. That’s what we did and we responded in the right way. For my part, I see myself much more as an actor this year compared to last year when I was more observant.
Another one who has done well is defensive back Anton Haie. Number 6 made a big interception in the first half.
“I saw the ball was thrown short. Normally, we try to play hands, but when you can make a play, you do it.
Haie explains that he is happy to return to his position as an interior defensive back rather than cornerback where he has been used in the past.
“It’s my natural position and I was placed at cornerback because we had needs over time, but I’m very comfortable in my slippers now.”
Lack of opportunism from the Stingers
Brad Collinson retained some positives from this defeat in the castle of Laval, but he knew that his team must do more in important moments.
“We had occasions where they were in the cables, but we were unable to take advantage of them. We had pace after Maximuik’s field goal before the half, we had a big turnover to start the third quarter and we only made one field goal. Afterwards, we have an assignment error on their touchdown. You can’t do that if you want to win against big teams.”
Collinson was still satisfied with his team’s effort after a poor performance against McGill.
“I think our defense was very solid. We didn’t give anything easy and we made them work. It was definitely better than last week.”
Solid land game
The second half allowed Laval to establish the ground game. Running back Kalenga Muganda played some good football, rushing for 101 yards on 15 carries.
“It felt good to be up for it because Duff was injured. I came as reinforcements and gave my best performance. I believe that at all levels, it is always easier to give the ball to your carrier so that he can find his rhythm,” explains Muganda, who seemed aware that this is not always possible.
Young pivot Jérémie Ouellette added two rushing touchdowns to his record during this match. Number 10 assures that he is only doing his job during these short-win situations.
“The coaches trust me and I make sure I get the job done when my number is called. I give a lot of credit to Limoilou who trained me as a player in these situations.
Quarterback Jérémie Ouellette celebrates his fourth rushing touchdown since the start of the season. (Red and Gold /Red and Gold)
A satisfied pilot
Head coach Glen Constantin seemed happy with his team’s victory. “We gave a very good effort and Concordia sold their skin dearly as we had planned. They arrived with defensive fronts that we hadn’t seen in a long time.”
Although Constantin would have liked to see a tightening in coverage, he conceded that it was an excellent defensive performance.
“We have a good defensive front and we impose ourselves physically which helps us a lot. We must continue to be careful of turnovers, however.”
A record kick
The first 30 minutes of the match gave rise to tight play between the two opponents. Both defenses showed their teeth and it was very difficult to find free space in attack. We also had to wait until the very end of the first quarter to see a team score the first points of the match. Émile Choquet put Laval ahead with a short field goal.
Laval took advantage of a superb interception by defensive back Anton Haie to slightly distance itself from the Stingers. They scored the only touchdown of the half on a one-yard run from Jérémie Ouellette.
The visitors, however, had a nice surprise in store for Laval with their excellent kicker Eric Maximuik. On the last play of the half, he achieved a feat by making a 56-yard field goal to make the score 13 to 6 in favor of Laval. Maximuik’s kick is now the new RSEQ record in this area, the old mark was 53 yards achieved a few weeks earlier by Felipe Forteza of the Rouge et Or.
What they said:
“I wanted to make my mark this year and I think I’m starting to demonstrate my potential.” – Yoann Miangue (Rouge et Or, defensive line)
“It’s not true that defensive backs don’t have hands, that’s a myth!” – Anton Haie (Red and Gold, defensive back)
“We saw a different front from Concordia, but it doesn’t take long to adjust with the tablets and our coaches on the bench. We saw what needed to be done and the adjustment was made.” – Kalenga Muganda (Red and Gold, ball carrier)
“Any way I can help the team, I do.” -Jérémie Ouellette (Rouge et Or, quarterback)
“I have one sudden change to do defensively and we only conceded a field goal and then we scored a touchdown. It’s a swing of 10 points. It’s the sign of a good defense.” – Glen Constantin (Rouge et Or, head coach)
